Spring in the Air: A public art tribute to the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
This mural was created in response to a public art opportunity provided by The Toowoomba Regional Council as part of a newly developed laneway connecting Annand Street carpark and Margaret Street in The Toowoomba CBD. After a building was demolished, construction began of fitting out the new “Carnival Lane” and local artists were invited to apply with an expression of interest.
The original design sketch provided after being selected for the project.
My design concept for this mural reflected a time of celebration and community spirit that is the Carnival of Flowers. From a distance, walking along Margaret street or from the other end of the new laneway space, I wanted the mural to look like a wall of confetti. As visitors enter the space, the design would reveal an expanse of unique abstract petals and flower motifs designed to resemble an array of floating blooms and foliage.
As a Toowoomba local who has braved many Winters, I know that familiar feeling as the air gets warmer in September; Spring is in the air and the town comes alive with colour and festivities. As Toowoomba blooms, people from near and far explore our gardens and our city, experiencing our diverse culture and rich sense of community.
These unique floating shapes aim to express the individuality of the thousands of varieties of blooms seen on showcase during the Carnival of Flowers and the individuality of its spectators. A flower is made up of it’s petals in much the same way that our community is an expression of its people.
“Spring in the air” aims to speak a universal language of celebration, growth and joy, one that transcends cultural barriers and can be enjoyed by all across the rich cultural diversity of Toowoomba and it’s visitors.
“Spring in the Air” is bold, playful and engaging. The design features a floral influence while the abstract nature of the work lends to an open interpretation. This entices the imagination of young and old to explore and find new fascinations and discoveries upon each viewing. This patterned effect is designed to be appreciated from any height or angle by the viewer. The commission also included a second design used as a colourful, spinning gobo projection at night plus two sculptural installations, one on the brick wall toward the Annand Street entrance and on the ceiling as you walk through the space.
On the 4th of December, the laneway was officially opened and ready for foot traffic. Although this mural is for everyone, and is aimed to brighten the day of every passerby, I would like to personally dedicate this artwork to my late father Allan, who passed upon completion of the mural after a long battle with cancer.